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Set up email in Windows 8.1

It’s been a while since I wrote a guide on how you can configure your email in Windows 8. If you have upgraded to Windows 8.1, you might have noticed that things have changed a bit – Microsoft has removed the Mail app and is no longer available by default. You have to download it from the Microsoft Store and set it up. So I just thought, it might be helpful to write up a small guide to help those who want to get the Mail app up and running on their Windows 8.1 machine.

Set up email in Windows 8.1

Once it’s opened, you might be asked to switch to a Microsoft account.

2.Once you’re on Microsoft Store, search for Mail. It’s the blue icon with the envelope. Click on it and install the app. Once it’s done, you should see the same icon on your start screen.

3.Click/Tap on it to open the Mail app. If you have used a Microsoft Account previously with your Windows 8.1, that account will automatically be added to the Mail app. In other words, this means that you will be able to read your mail without any configuration.

If you had like to set up another email provider, there’re a few more steps to go!

4.Open the charm bar by moving your cursor to either the top-right or bottom-right corner of your screen.(or use the keyboard shortcut Windows key+ C). Then click on Settings > Accounts > Add an Account.

5.You will be presented with a list of common email providers such as Outlook.com, Exchange, Gmail, Yahoo etc. Choose your favorite one and a new screen will pop up. Enter your email address and password.

Congratulation! You will now receive all your emails in the Mail app. If you have any issues with the steps above, drop me a comment below. I’ll try to get back to you as soon as I can!

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Hi I added a yahoo account to the mail app and would like to add additional accounts but I am unable to. Your article says that you can that going through settings and choosing account and add. My 8.1 doesn’t get the same screens you show in your article, From setting I don’t see the accounts option.

Hayder

Hi Diane,

In order to be able to see the ‘Accounts’ option in the charm bar, you have to open the Mail app first. Make sure this window is in focus before going to the charm bar. You will then see the ‘Accounts’ option.Here’s a screenshot how it looks on my side:http://darktips.com/?attachment_id=3726

Hopefully this helps.

Robert Groove

Hi Hyder. Thanks for this quick tip! I have been able to set up my email in Windows 8.1 finally! I was previously using Windows 7 and never seen this option there. I guess it was introduced in Windows 8?

Hayder

Hello Robert,

Glad it was useful to you! Yes, you’re correct – This email client has been introduced in Windows 8. There was a limited version of Outlook with previous version of Windows though if I’m not mistaken.

Vikash

I’ve just upgraded to Windows 8.1 and could not see my Mail App. Thank you sir. I have been able to set up my Gmail directly in Windows 8. Bye bye Outlook !

Janette

Hello I have the mail icon for windows 8.1 however when I tap on it my email does not show up. I clicked on add an account and it tells me this account has already been added but I do not see it. How do I get my email?

My e-mail account was set up & working on my previous Acer. It was also windows 8. I am trying to set this acct up on this new Acer. It says my account is there but apparently not working properly as I can send but not receive. It also does not show previous e-mails. It says that it cannot sync messages. So what am I doing wrong?? Thanks

Siddharth

Works perfectly on my Windows 8.1 machine! Thanks.

gb

Hi I’m struggling setting up a talktalk.net account on windows mail. I can import my messages and send but then don’t receive anything. It’s frustrating, if anyone can help I’d appreciate it.